Code Name: Disavowed (Jameson Force Security 8)

Kynan interrupts us by stating very adamantly. “He has to be taken into custody. You can’t have murder on your hands, Ladd.”

Ladd doesn’t acknowledge the truth of that but merely says, “We’ll go back to El Salvador. Knowing he was in league with Newman means he probably has no incentive to leave the area. He knows the intel that Greer stole was bogus.”

Dozer speaks up for the first time. He sits beside Bebe, and I’ve been told they both run the technology and research division. Dozer’s eyes shine with keen intelligence. “I’ll work on locating Mejia. I’ll confirm his current whereabouts and get as much information as I can for you.”

Ladd lifts his chin to Dozer, then nods to the laptop opened before him. “Track down a man by the name of Frankie Orellana. He’s a snitch for Vecindario 18 in San Salvador, and I was hooked up with him via a CIA intermediary. We can’t go that route again because no telling who’s on Newman’s payroll, but I’m going to need to meet with him. He’s our best source of information on Mejia.”

Ladd’s eyes then slide to Kynan. “Which means I’m going to need cash. I’m most likely going to have to buy some information.”

“Have it for you by the end of the day,” Kynan replies, and I have to wonder how he has access to the type of money that would be offered as a bribe to a gang snitch. It’s going to have to be a lot because they know it’s not only death they would face if caught, but a whole lot of painful torture prior to.

“We don’t need your money.” All eyes come to me, but it’s Kynan I’m speaking to. “I withdrew a substantial amount of cash from my accounts before I came here. I have everything we need.”

No one argues with me on that front. Had Kynan used his own company’s money, I would’ve reimbursed him, or rather, it’s likely the government would reimburse him once everything is said and done and we’re able to take down Gayla Newman.

At least for now, I feel like I’m having a direct impact on bringing this to an end.

“We’ll go in with at least eight agents,” Kynan says, finally taking a seat.

“Count me in,” Cruce says.

“No,” I exclaim, shaking my head adamantly. “I’m not putting any of your folks at risk.”

“You can’t go in just the two of you,” Kynan counters. “It’s suicide.”

“Wrong,” I argue. “This is exactly what Ladd and I trained for. How to slide in, get the job done, and slide out again. Just like Ladd did in rescuing me.”

I can see it on Kynan’s face that he’s irritated by this stance. He turns to Ladd, an eyebrow cocked.

Ladd is quiet for a moment, and then says, “I agree with Greer. The two of us, easy in, easy out.”

“Not going to be easy,” Kynan growls. “I’ll send in two others with you.”

An argument ensues, but Ladd and I remain united in our position. I came to Jameson with the idea of asking for one person’s help, and that was Kynan. That’s off the table, and it’s Ladd who will be my partner. And that’s probably the way it should be since he’s as much a target as I am and has the same incentive to end this. But I’m not willing for any other person at this company to risk themselves for me. Kynan refused my money and wants to help because Ladd is part of their family.

But they’re not my family, and I don’t want them on my conscience. I’m glad Ladd concurs, and in the end, Kynan reluctantly agrees to let us handle this with only remote support from Jameson.

We talk for another hour, and it’s decided Ladd and I will fly to El Salvador in the morning using a private charter plane. I already have a good set of fake credentials, and Bebe leaves the room to get to work on creating a set for Ladd to match mine. We’ll be traveling as a husband and wife on vacation.

We discuss a few more things on the technical side, and Dozer assures us we’ll have top-of-the-line support. When we’re finished and everyone disperses, Ladd advises me, “We’re going to my house in a few hours to grab Ethan and so I can pack. Then we’ll take him to Britney’s. You can hang out upstairs in the communal living area on the fourth floor until we’re ready to go.”

“Actually, is there a drugstore within walking distance?” I ask.

Ladd shakes his head. “There’s nothing any good within walking distance of this building. We’re in a dead zone in Pittsburgh. What do you need?”

“I want to change my appearance. When we find Mejia, I don’t want to make it easy for him to recognize me. He thinks I’m a blond. I thought I’d buy some hair color, and then later tonight, if you don’t mind, you can cut it.”